Maritime historian speaks to Umina Rotary club
Local maritime historian Mr Peter Rea has given a talk the to the Rotary Club of Umina Beach.
Mr Rea was introduced as a Rotarian from Kincumber Rotary Club and a resident of the Coast for 50 years.
"He worked at Cockatoo Naval Docks as a fitter and machinist, and worked on the HMAS Vampire," said club president Mr Bruce Croft.
"He has also worked at the Sydney Maritime Museum.
"He formed the History, Heritage, Hunter, Hawkesbury Research Group and he is currently on the Heritage Committee of Central Coast Council."
Mr Rea showed photos of some "forgotten World War II defence sites" around the Coast including at Juno Point near Patonga, Westhead naval gun emplacement sites and Maitland Bay "where five large Japanese submarines were sunk".
He also showed the wartime airstrip on the Peninsula which became part of Trafalgar Ave.
Mr Rea told the club that HMAS Swan was the first Australian warship built at Cockatoo Island in 1932.
"He mentioned that the Hawkesbury River rail bridge, built in 1889, was at that time, the third largest river bridge in the world.
"The bridge eventually had to be rebuilt as the original pylons were not structurally sound."
Mr Rea spoke about the four shipyards at Davistown.
"The first ship was built in 1829 and, up to the end of World War II, 500 registered ships were built."
He mentioned the various shipwrecks in the Hawkesbury River including HMAS Parramatta, whose remains can still be seen.
He mentioned Peat Island and "its importance to our Nation's early history".
"Peter gave a great presentation on local history which generated a lot of interesting questions from members," said Mr Croft.
Club secretary Mr Mike Curley is pictured presenting Mr Rea with a Certificate of Appreciation.
SOURCE:
Newsletter, 7 Jun 2022
Bruce Croft, Rotary Umina Beach